Replacing your roof is going to be an expensive endeavor and you need to know how expensive it is going to be. While there is no way to determine the exact cost of your roof replacement, you will be able to calculate an estimate based on national averages. This will help you determine if you have the funds for the replacement and if you are being charged the correct amount by the contractor that you use.

When you calculate the average cost of a roof replacement, you need to start with the size of your roof. A smaller roof will cost less to replace, but you also need to consider the style of the roof. Certain styles are easier to replace than others and this will impact the cost.

When you look at the costs of materials and labor, you have to look at it on a per square foot basis. The steepness of the roof angle should also be looked at because this will increase the difficulty of the replacement and will increase the cost. There are 3 common roof styles that will impact the cost of the replacement.

A ranch style roof is the simplest and will be less expensive to replace. The colonial style roof will have a few slopes which can make it harder and more expensive to replace. The Tudor style roof will be the most problematic style to replace and will generally be expensive because of the number of slopes and eaves that the roof has. It is important that you add a percentage to the labor costs of your calculation based on the type of roof that you have.

One part of your roof cost calculation will be the amount you have to pay for shingles. There are different types of shingles that you need to be aware of because the cost will vary for each type. The most common type of shingle is an asphalt shingle, but you can also get wood shakes, tile, metal and slate.

• Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used because they are inexpensive and easy to install. They can be installed by the average home handyman and will lower the costs of labor for your roof replacement. The average cost of these shingles for a standard ranch-style roof will be between $700 and $4000 depending on the size of the roof and the quality of the materials.

• Wood shakes are a high-maintenance option, but are much better looking than asphalt. They are also a natural material which makes them susceptible to rot, insect infestations and fire. However, they are the most attractive and can be installed by anyone who is handy with wood-working. A wood shake roof replacement will cost around $7000 to $20000, but you can lower the costs by getting wood shakes that are made from recycled rubber instead of wood.

• Roofing tiles are easy to replace when they are damaged which could make them ideal for your home. They also come in a range of custom colors and shapes to suit the overall look of your home. If you choose concrete tiles which are more durable, an average roof will cost between $8000 and $21000. Ceramic tiles will cost less at around $12000, but if you want them customized this will increase the price to up to $60000.

• Metal roofs are considered the most durable and they can be as beautiful as other roofing styles. The problem is that they are more expensive, but this is not an issue if you are going to be staying in your home for many years. Steel roofs can cost around $22000 while aluminum roofs will cost between $12000 and $25000.